Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Seventy-eight

     It took a moment to adjust to the dim of the stable block before In-Yeon could lead the way to where their string waited in adjoining stalls. Junseo recognized the long, low nicker and hurried over to where Rufus waited. The big roan took one sniff, snorted then turned his back to the stall door.

"I'm sorry Rufus. I shouldn't have left you behind. I really didn't mean to be gone for so long," Junseo apologized. In-Yeon passed him a bucket of oats and watched as Junseo made his way carefully into the stall. "Come on old fella, have some treats," Junseo crooned. Rufus snorted then plunged his head into the bucket. When Junseo tried to stroke him, the charger pinned his ears. "Okay. I get it. You are still mad at me. Just let me clean you up a bit." Junseo took out a halter and picked up a bucket of grooming tools.

Once In-Yeon was certain the big horse would behave he turned his attention to the other mounts. San Jin's young mare was particularly frisky this morning, playfully nipping at In-Yeon's sleeve while he tried to groom her. "None of that," he said firmly pushing her nose away. When she persisted, he tied her more firmly so he could finish up. "This one needs tuning up," he told Junseo and nodded in the direction of the arena.

"We will be right behind you," Junseo answered and went back to negotiating with Rufus. He heard a sudden shout, then an angry squeal, so hurried down the alleyway with Rufus in tow. The young mare was trying to fend off a stray horse while trying to protect a crumbled figure. Rufus roared his anger and Junseo just had time to swing up before the charger headed into the fray. The loose horse cantered to the far corner of the arena and Rufus stamped his front foot before sideling up to the fine boned grey.

Junseo hopped down to check on In-Yeon. The young boy smiled faintly and rubbed his head.

"Didn't see that one coming," he admitted with a shaky voice.

Junseo carefully checked each limb looking for obvious injuries. He took In-Yeon's pulse and frowned. He then had the boy look directly ahead then from side to side.

"Oh. Not good." In-Yeon said quietly as he started to sway.

Junseo quickly supported the boy telling him to take slow deep breaths. He was relieved to see San Jin and Scout Jia coming to help. He asked them to take care of the horses and bring some water back for In-Yeon. Then he picked In-Yeon up and carried him to the shady side of the arena.

San Jin came back with the water and a blindfold. In-Yeon frowned when he saw with the older boy was offering.

"What's this about?" Junseo asked.

"It's to help with the headaches. He hasn't had them for a while but if he bumped his head again." San Jin said and calmly put the blindfold in place over the boy's eyes.

"How am I supposed to groom the rest of the horses like this?" In-Yeon complained.

"You're not. You're coming back to my house to rest. Then we will get my Dad to check you over." Junseo said firmly. "See you guys later?" he asked looking directly at Scout Jia. The man gave him a curt nod and ushered San Jin away.

In-Yeon slept most of the afternoon. When he woke, he was very disoriented. Junseo hurried to re-assure him. Then he passed over a pungent brew.

"Dad says you need this for your heart irregularity. You shouldn't skip it." Junseo frowned before continuing, "If I had known about your injuries, I would have asked the dragon for another favor."

"We all thought I was better." In-Yeon said quietly. Then he asked, "Isn't someone going to quiet that baby? It had been crying for hours."

"You hear a crying baby? You know my Mom says that all the time, and well we just figured it was one of her peculiarities." Junseo blushed.

In-Yeon leaned back and slide his fingers under his blindfold to rub his temples. He tipped his head from one side to the other then he pointed to the corner of the room. "What is over there?" he asked.

"A trunk with bunch of old cloths and such. Mostly baby things I think." Junseo said slowly. He went over to explore. He pulled out different mementos from his childhood, chuckling at some and scratching his head over others. At the bottom of the trunk, he found a musty smelling shift.

"I think you found it. Can you bring what you have in your hands here." In-Yeon reached out. Junseo carefully passed the small item over. When he touched it In-Yeon said, "Oh dear. I think I need to talk with your parents." He then gently smoothed the tiny garment.

"Now?" Junseo asked.

"Yes, before their other guests come." In-Yeon was firm.

Junseo did not have any trouble getting his father to come but his mother resisted saying, "You know I don't like the guest room. It is drafty."

"Please, Just for a moment. In-Yeon wouldn't ask if it wasn't important and I will be there with a blanket if you need one." Junseo coaxed. Once both of his parents were seated, he announced, "Okay. We're settled."

"Thank you. I am so grateful to be here to heal but I also think you also need some healing," In-Yeon inclined slowly from his waist then straightened. "Junseo has probably told you I am the son of Baron Pange in the southern province. We are a family of some means but my aunt's reputation as a shaman gives us more renown. My sight allowed us to get here in time to rescue Junseo." In-Yeon paused and accepted their thanks before continuing. "I mention this to make it easier for you to understand what I have to say. I should also tell you I was born a twin but my brother died soon after. The hardest thing for my mother was not being able to morn her loss when everyone thought she should be overjoyed with a new baby. I can't imagine how much harder it was for the pair of you. It was a great service you did for your king but it didn't give you time for a proper farewell to your own little traveler." In-Yeon handed over the frail garment. "Take some time now to ease your hearts. He is not angry or jealous, just a little lonely."

Junseo's mother squeezed In-Yeon's hands, "Thank you," she said with a brave smile. She turned to her husband. "I always knew. Not who or why but I tried to believe you did it for me."

Her words made Dr. Park break down completely. He bowed and asked forgiveness over and over. He stroked the small garment, then gathered his wife into his arms. Junseo looked around the room and gathered together the makings of a small shrine.

"Shall we honor my brother in the garden?" he asked gently then helped his mother up.

"My dear boys," she leaned on his arm.